Sans Liege 2018 “The Offering” GSM Santa Barbara MAGNUM

Owner and Winemaker Curt Schalchlin has been producing high-quality Rhone blends at a very respectable price level for years. Curt worked for some of the best winemakers in industry and went solo about over a decade ago, and the rest is history. Today Sans Liege has a worldwide fan base among my clients, as far as Japan, Europe and South America. The 2018 Sans Liege “The Offering” is by far the best release to date!

The Sans Liege  “The Offering” (a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and 1% Viognier) is a wine that captures the imagination and challenges expectations, it displays a beautiful purity and depth that is reminiscent of having a summer picnic in an ancient church. Resinous scents of black cherry cola, frankincense, fresh-peeled Clementine orange and vanilla extract lead to a well-structured and balanced palate of curried mix-berry cobbler, turmeric, dark chocolate cocoa nibs and black pepper with rocky, persistent tannins.

Winemaker Notes: “When you arrive the celebration is raging, much like the huge bonfire in the center of the crowd. You are met with scents of anise, mulling spices, kirsch and leather. A friend claps you on the back and hands you a bowl crafted from juniper proclaiming “wassail!” “Drink hail” you chorus with the rest of the group, taking a gulp and passing it on. Treats of olive tapenade and plums with cinnamon are shared as the merriment continues into the night.”

FYI: The “Offering” was sourced from some of the most amazing vineyards —  Alta Colina, Larner, Alta Mesa, Derby, John Sebastiano and Zotovich.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points: “Based on 39% Grenache, 36% Syrah, and 25% Mourvèdre, the 2018 Offering sports a deep ruby color as well as lots of pretty blackberry, blueberry, peppery herbs, and subtle meaty aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with plenty of fruit, good acidity, and a clean finish, this solid Rhône-like blend will keep for 4-6 years.”

Also check out these other great Sans Liege wines:

SANS LIEGE 2019 COTES DU COAST, WHITE RHONE BLEND

SANS LIEGE 2017 GRENACHE PICKPOCKET